As the first season of Pokémon concludes, Ash Ketcham and his friends Misty and Brock stop in some curious places en route to Indigo Stadium for the Pokémon League Tournament: Santa Claus' workshop, a movie set, a surfing beach, the ruined city of Pokémopolis, and Hollywood. The problem is that Ash should be training for his League matches, instead of allowing himself to be distracted. He hasn't been working as hard as he should, and his Charizard won't obey him most of the time. But Ash remains supremely self-confident, pointing out that he's made it to the Tournament, the Pokémon Trainer's equivalent of the Olympics. During his first matches, Misty and Brock coach from the sidelines--when Brock isn't chasing every pretty girl in sight. Professor Oak offers additional counseling from Pallet Town, and sends Ash the exotic Pokémon he needs. Gary, Prof. Oak's cocky grandson, is defeated early in the Tournament, and takes it badly. Team Rocket's comic villainy produces the usual disastrous results--until Jessie and James discover they're actually good at selling souvenirs and fast food. Meowth is appalled at the prospect of their going straight. Ash gains a real friend in fellow-trainer Richie. Although they eventually lose their matches, Ash and Richie learn to accept defeat gracefully, and they agree to redouble their efforts to become great Pokémon trainers. Those aren't bad messages for a children's show.